A Sliding-Gated Tactile Interface for Smartphone Side-Key Interaction
Highlights
- A self-powered sliding-gated tactile interface is developed, generating direction-dependent voltage signals through triboelectrification-induced carrier redistribution.
- Dual-channel outputs provide stable features for machine-learning-based recognition of sliding and tapping gestures.
- The sensor enables discrimination of sliding direction, speed, pressure, and touch position without external power supply.
- The sensor provides a compact self-powered solution for multifunctional smartphone side-key interaction, including volume control, unlocking, and media operation.
- The proposed mechanism offers a practical route for intelligent tactile interfaces in human–machine interaction systems.
Abstract
1. Introduction
2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Materials
2.2. Electrical Measurement and Characterization
2.3. Hot-Point Probe Measurement for the Determination of Carrier Type
2.4. COMSOL Simulation
3. Results and Discussion
3.1. The Concept and Mechanism of Our Interface Sensor
3.2. The Performance of Tactile Interface Sensor
3.3. The Signals of Different Gestures by 2-Electrode Measurement
3.4. Machine-Learning-Assisted Gesture Recognition and Interactive Control
4. Conclusions
Supplementary Materials
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
References
- Lee, I.; Shin, H.; Cho, H.; Choi, J.-G.; Wang, G.; Park, S. Author Correction: Skin-Conformal Electronics for Intelligent Gesture Recognition. Nat. Rev. Electr. Eng. 2025, 2, 788. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jung, Y.H.; Yoo, J.-Y.; Vázquez-Guardado, A.; Kim, J.-H.; Kim, J.-T.; Luan, H.; Park, M.; Lim, J.; Shin, H.-S.; Su, C.-J.; et al. A Wireless Haptic Interface for Programmable Patterns of Touch across Large Areas of the Skin. Nat. Electron. 2022, 5, 374–385. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, W.; Jiang, Y.; Zhong, D.; Zhang, Z.; Choudhury, S.; Lai, J.-C.; Gong, H.; Niu, S.; Yan, X.; Zheng, Y.; et al. Neuromorphic Sensorimotor Loop Embodied by Monolithically Integrated, Low-Voltage, Soft e-Skin. Science 2023, 380, 735–742. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shi, Y.; Guan, Y.; Liu, M.; Kang, X.; Tian, Y.; Deng, W.; Yu, P.; Ning, C.; Zhou, L.; Fu, R.; et al. Tough, Antifreezing, and Piezoelectric Organohydrogel as a Flexible Wearable Sensor for Human–Machine Interaction. ACS Nano 2024, 18, 3720–3732. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Sun, Z.; He, T.; Ren, Z.; Wang, C.; Liu, X.; Zhang, Z.; Zhou, J.; Guo, X.; Yang, Y.; Lee, C. Moving toward Human-like Perception and Sensation Systems—From Integrated Intelligent Systems to Decentralized Smart Devices. SmartSys 2025, 1, e4. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yin, G.; Liang, X.; Liu, R.; Xu, X.; Zhang, X.; Mo, Y.; Zhou, L.; Wang, S.; Guo, Z.; Liu, Y.; et al. A Single-channel Tactile-slip Triboelectric Nanogenerator for the Intelligent Performance Evaluation of Humanoid Robots. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 36, e19384. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, Y.D. Applied Sciences and Engineering: Modern Topics in Manufacturing and Designing; Trans Tech Publications Ltd.: Singapore, 2012; Volume 197. [Google Scholar]
- Hardman, D.; Thuruthel, T.G.; Iida, F. Multimodal Information Structuring with Single-Layer Soft Skins and High-Density Electrical Impedance Tomography. Sci. Robot. 2025, 10, eadq2303. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Chen, G.; Zhang, Y.; Li, S.; Zheng, J.; Yang, H.; Ren, J.; Zhu, C.; Zhou, Y.; Chen, Y.; Fu, J. Flexible Artificial Tactility with Excellent Robustness and Temperature Tolerance Based on Organohydrogel Sensor Array for Robot Motion Detection and Object Shape Recognition. Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2408193. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Lee, J.H.; Kim, S.H.; Heo, J.S.; Kwak, J.Y.; Park, C.W.; Kim, I.; Lee, M.; Park, H.; Kim, Y.; Lee, S.J.; et al. Heterogeneous Structure Omnidirectional Strain Sensor Arrays with Cognitively Learned Neural Networks. Adv. Mater. 2023, 35, 2208184. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Ma, C.; Ye, H.; Shi, X.; Chen, Y.; Liu, Y.; Qin, L.; Gan, L.; Xia, F.; Long, G.; Jiang, X.; et al. Contact-Dominated Localized Electric-Displacement-Field-Enhanced Pressure Sensing. Nat. Commun. 2025, 16, 8034. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Li, J.; Chen, S.; Ding, Z.; Wang, X.; Moita, A.S.O.H.; Liu, Y. Bioinspired Flexible Piezoresistive Sensor with Cross-Gradient Architecture for High-Performance Tactile Sensing. Biosens. Bioelectron. 2026, 291, 118023. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yin, H.; Li, Y.; Tian, Z.; Li, Q.; Jiang, C.; Liang, E.; Guo, Y. Ultra-High Sensitivity Anisotropic Piezoelectric Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring and Robotic Perception. Nano-Micro Lett. 2025, 17, 42. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Xu, Q.; Jia, M.; Zhou, P.; Zhang, Y.; Guo, W.; Zhao, S.; Zeng, H.; Zhang, J.; Yan, M.; Jiang, S.; et al. High-performance Ultrasensitive Flexible Piezoelectric Thin Film Sensors via a Cost-effective Transfer Strategy. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 35, 2414211. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, H.; Li, S.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, M.; Wang, H.; Liang, X.; Lu, H.; Zhang, Y. A Self-powered, Shapeable, and Wearable Sensor for Effective Hazard Prevention and Biomechanical Monitoring. SmartSys 2025, 1, e3. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Guo, P.; Jia, M.; Guo, D.; Ren, T.; Wang, Z.L.; Zhai, J. Progress in Flexoelectric Effect Research and Related Applications. SmartSys 2025, 1, e1. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Jia, L.; Li, L.; Guo, Z.H.; Sun, H.; Huang, H.; Sun, F.; Wang, Z.L.; Pu, X. Giant Iontronic Flexoelectricity in Soft Hydrogels Induced by Tunable Biomimetic Ion Polarization. Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2403830. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Shahbaz, I.; Yao, Z.; Rehman, S.; Deng, J.; Song, Y.; Li, L. Self-powered Triboelectric–Piezoelectric Hybrid Acoustic Sensor with Microcone Patterned Film Based on Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/LNKNTS-mn Nanorods Composite. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 36, e14004. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Suo, H.; Li, L.; Sun, J.; Zhang, Y.; Zhao, B.; Zheng, X.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, G.; Wang, Z.; Li, P.; et al. A Self-powered Tactile Sensor Resistant to Environmental Interference. Adv. Mater. 2025, 38, e16596. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Liu, S.; Guo, W.; Chen, H.; Yin, Z.; Tang, X.; Sun, Q. Recent Progress on Flexible Self-powered Tactile Sensing Platforms for Health Monitoring and Robotics. Small 2024, 20, 2405520. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, A.; Feng, S.; Xiao, T.; Wang, G.; Zhu, B.; Zhou, W.; Wang, L. Microenvironment-engineered Piezoionic Hydrogel Nanogenerators for Enhanced Energy Harvesting and Sensing. SmartSys 2025, 1, e70004. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fang, D.; Ding, S.; Liu, Y.; Zhou, Q.; Qi, B.; Ji, B.; Zhou, B. Revisiting the “Stick-slip” Process via Magnetism-coupled Flexible Sensors with Bioinspired Ridge Architecture. Adv. Mater. 2025, 37, 2417867. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shang, K.; He, C.; Zhou, J.; Ling, P.; Lu, X.; Fu, C.; Zhang, Y.; Tang, C.; Qian, L.; Yang, T. Optical and Electrical Dual-Mode Tactile Sensor with Interlinked Interfaces Recording Normal Force and Slip for Closed-Loop Robotics. Chem. Eng. J. 2023, 475, 146279. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Fang, C.; Zhao, L.; Su, W.; Qin, B.; Poechmueller, P. A Dual-Mode Transparent Flexible Pressure Sensor Array for Tactile Sensing Visualization. Chem. Eng. J. 2025, 510, 161618. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhao, W.; Li, K.; Li, Z.; Wang, W.; Yu, X.; Zhang, T.; Yang, X. Flexible Pressure Sensor Arrays with High Sensitivity and High Density Based on Spinous Microstructures for Carved Patterns Recognition. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2025, 35, 2417238. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Wang, S.; Yao, Y.; Deng, W.; Chu, X.; Yang, T.; Tian, G.; Ao, Y.; Sun, Y.; Lan, B.; Ren, X.; et al. Mass-Produced Skin-Inspired Piezoresistive Sensing Array with Interlocking Interface for Object Recognition. ACS Nano 2024, 18, 11183–11192. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Kim, T.; Kim, J.; You, I.; Oh, J.; Kim, S.-P.; Jeong, U. Dynamic Tactility by Position-Encoded Spike Spectrum. Sci. Robot. 2022, 7, eabl5761. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Li, S.; Chen, X.; Li, X.; Tian, H.; Wang, C.; Nie, B.; He, J.; Shao, J. Bioinspired Robot Skin with Mechanically Gated Electron Channels for Sliding Tactile Perception. Sci. Adv. 2022, 8, eade0720. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Bai, N.; Xue, Y.; Chen, S.; Shi, L.; Shi, J.; Zhang, Y.; Hou, X.; Cheng, Y.; Huang, K.; Wang, W.; et al. A Robotic Sensory System with High Spatiotemporal Resolution for Texture Recognition. Nat. Commun. 2023, 14, 7121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Li, H.; Niu, H.; Yin, F.; Zhou, W.; Shen, G.; Li, Y. A Labor-division Cooperation Electronic Palm System for High-precision Crosstalk-free Cognition of Pressure and Temperature. Adv. Mater. 2025, 38, e10241. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Yao, Z.; Wu, W.; Gao, F.; Gong, M.; Zhang, L.; Wang, D.; Guo, B.; Zhang, L.; Lin, X. Flexible Tactile Sensing Systems: Challenges in Theoretical Research Transferring to Practical Applications. Nano-Micro Lett. 2026, 18, 37. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Pan, C.; Cao, L.N.Y.; Meng, J.; Jia, L.; Hu, W.; Wang, Z.L.; Pu, X. Field Effect Nanogenerator Operated by Sliding Gates. Energy Environ. Sci. 2024, 17, 1132–1140. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Shin, K.; Sim, M.; Choi, E.; Park, H.; Choi, J.-W.; Cho, Y.; Sohn, J.I.; Cha, S.N.; Jang, J.E. Artificial Tactile Sensor Structure for Surface Topography through Sliding. IEEE/ASME Trans. Mechatron. 2018, 23, 2638–2649. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Xue, F.; Chen, L.; Wang, L.; Pang, Y.; Chen, J.; Zhang, C.; Wang, Z.L. MoS2 Tribotronic Transistor for Smart Tactile Switch. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2016, 26, 2104–2109. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Bai, N.; Wang, L.; Xue, Y.; Wang, Y.; Hou, X.; Li, G.; Zhang, Y.; Cai, M.; Zhao, L.; Guan, F.; et al. Graded Interlocks for Iontronic Pressure Sensors with High Sensitivity and High Linearity over a Broad Range. ACS Nano 2022, 16, 4338–4347. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Zhao, H.; Qian, W.; Guo, C.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, J.; Dan, H.; Zhang, Y.; Bowen, C.R.; Yang, Y. A Switchable Dynamic-Static Tactile System for Augmented Haptic Secret Communication. Sci. Adv. 2025, 11, eadx6959. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Yang, P.-A.; Hu, X.; Li, R.; Lu, Y.; Shou, M.; Sun, R.; He, Y.; Wang, L.; Chen, Q. Dual-Mechanism Layered Ionic Skin: For Quick Touch Position Sensing and High-Precision Touch Intensity Detection. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2026, 708, 139778. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
- Zhu, B.; Niu, Z.; Wang, H.; Leow, W.R.; Wang, H.; Li, Y.; Zheng, L.; Wei, J.; Huo, F.; Chen, X. Microstructured Graphene Arrays for Highly Sensitive Flexible Tactile Sensors. Small 2014, 10, 3625–3631. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Ming, W.; Zhao, Y.; Zhang, Z.; Qiu, W.; Xu, Y.; Guo, X.; Zhang, G. Self-Powered Handwritten Letter Recognition Based on a Masked Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Intelligent Personal Protective Equipment. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2024, 16, 57936–57945. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Zhang, T.; Manshaii, F.; Bowen, C.R.; Zhang, M.; Qian, W.; Hu, C.; Bai, Y.; Huang, Z.; Yang, Y.; Chen, J. A Flexible Pressure Sensor Array for Self-Powered Identity Authentication during Typing. Sci. Adv. 2025, 11, eads2297. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Chen, Z.; Jin, Y.; Li, Z.; Wang, B.; Liu, B.; Xu, B.; Gong, F.; Jiang, L.; Li, H. An AI-powered, All-printed, Scalable, Stretchable Triboelectric E-skin for Multifunctional Perception in Dexterous Hand. Adv. Funct. Mater. 2026, e27673. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
- Han, C.; Cao, Z.; An, Z.; Zhang, Z.; Wang, Z.L.; Wu, Z. Multimodal Finger-Shaped Tactile Sensor for Multi-Directional Force and Material Identification. Adv. Mater. 2025, 37, 2414096. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]




Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content. |
© 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.
Share and Cite
Yang, F.; Yin, W.; Pan, C.; Meng, J.; Zhang, P.; Pu, X. A Sliding-Gated Tactile Interface for Smartphone Side-Key Interaction. Sensors 2026, 26, 1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051436
Yang F, Yin W, Pan C, Meng J, Zhang P, Pu X. A Sliding-Gated Tactile Interface for Smartphone Side-Key Interaction. Sensors. 2026; 26(5):1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051436
Chicago/Turabian StyleYang, Fengyuan, Wenqiang Yin, Chongxiang Pan, Jia Meng, Panpan Zhang, and Xiong Pu. 2026. "A Sliding-Gated Tactile Interface for Smartphone Side-Key Interaction" Sensors 26, no. 5: 1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051436
APA StyleYang, F., Yin, W., Pan, C., Meng, J., Zhang, P., & Pu, X. (2026). A Sliding-Gated Tactile Interface for Smartphone Side-Key Interaction. Sensors, 26(5), 1436. https://doi.org/10.3390/s26051436

